How can i stop my chicks pecking each other? (especially the eyes and feet?!)

[Zippy007]

I only had 2 (out of 2) eggs hatch and they are great together but peck each others toes and eyes, im worried one will hurt the other especially with the eyes, is there anything i can do to stop it?

 

[afarrington2]

I only had 2 (out of 2) eggs hatch and they are great together but peck each others toes and eyes, im worried one will hurt the other especially with the eyes, is there anything i can do to stop it?

Do you have an infrared red light?

 

[Zippy007]

Not a red light no?

 

[ChickSter99]

I only had 2 (out of 2) eggs hatch and they are great together but peck each others toes and eyes, im worried one will hurt the other especially with the eyes, is there anything i can do to stop it?

I had this same problem with mine but they started when they were about 2 or 3 weeks old. One in particular was an all out bully. I ended up putting her in time out. I would re-introduce her after a day and she would start all over again. I just stuck to my plan of time out and re-introducing her. One day it just seemed to click with her about a week later. She was like a different bird. She was so bad she would pick and peck until she would pluck feathers and draw blood and would not stop. Just pure terror for the others. Now at 6 weeks, I couldn't ask for a better bird. She's middle of the pecking order and the first one to greet me at the door of the run.

The infrared light is a wonderful idea. If your chicks are old enough, some Hot Pick would work also. I hope you find some help on here because I know how frustrating that is. There are some people with wonderful ideas on here.

 

[Zippy007]

Well im glad youve said that, as at night i seperate them as obviously i cant keep an eye (no pun) on them and during the day when i catch her at it i put my finger in front of her push her back slightly and serpate as youve said, its only been a couple of days so i shuld just be consistant and hope for the best!
Its funny how different they all are i dont think people realise chickens have theyre own personalties!

Ive heard about chickens becoming blind because of pecking at each other so i just hope she learns to quit!
Thanks for your help, and im quite new to all this and have been trying to learn as much as possible not just about the behaviours and breeds but about the incubating equipment etc so many thanks for your help

 

[afarrington2]

A red light causes way less picking here is a link to one, i highly recommend it : http://www.coopsnmore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=98
I use it myself!

 

[Zippy007]

Many thanks!
Thats why i love BYC

 

[ChickSter99]

Well im glad youve said that, as at night i seperate them as obviously i cant keep an eye (no pun) on them and during the day when i catch her at it i put my finger in front of her push her back slightly and serpate as youve said, its only been a couple of days so i shuld just be consistant and hope for the best!
Its funny how different they all are i dont think people realise chickens have theyre own personalties!

Ive heard about chickens becoming blind because of pecking at each other so i just hope she learns to quit!
Thanks for your help, and im quite new to all this and have been trying to learn as much as possible not just about the behaviours and breeds but about the incubating equipment etc so many thanks for your help

I kept mine in a medium sized cat carrier with fresh pine shavings, water and food. She was always where she could see and her sisters. Chickens are flock animals and with her being a baby I felt that it was important that she saw and heard them. She let me know each time how unhappy she was about being separated.

 

[Zippy007]

I know! I put some mesh between them, i made a mistake of having it around a cm off the bottom of the brooder, as soon as they were looking at each other she was still going for the toes! LOL
One morning i even went it to see them in the same part, no idea how she did it LOL

 

[afarrington2]

No problem! I am happy to help!